8 worldwide journalism opportunities to apply to in May

by IJNet
Apr 21, 2021 in IJNet News
Man with camera

Whether you’re a freelancer, a photographer, a filmmaker or a multimedia journalist, there are opportunities upcoming to advance your career. Check out these fellowships, grants and competitions with deadlines in May. Each opportunity is open to journalists worldwide.

Photo contest on issues of human rights or anti-corruption

Deadline: May 1, 2021

Professional and amateur photographers can submit up to four entries to the Allard Prize Photography Competition. Submissions should address themes of courage and leadership in combating corruption, particularly as it relates to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Entries can also touch on human rights issues and/or anti-corruption in general. Winning entrants will each receive CAD1,000 (US$797). 

Conference fellowships for digital journalists

Deadline: May 7, 2021

The Online News Association (ONA) is accepting applications for the MJ Bear Fellowships, which provide registration for the 2021 Online News Association Conference and Awards, held from June 22 to 25. Fellows will also receive coaching and ONA membership.

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Summer school for filmmakers

Deadline: May 10, 2021

Students in film direction and cinematography can participate in the VGIK International Summer School, organized by the Russian State University of Cinematography. The documentary session will take place July 11 to 31 in Saratov, Russia.

Grants for women and non-binary photographers

Deadline: May 15, 2021

Women, female-identifying and non-binary documentary photographers can apply for grants from Women Photograph, Getty Images and Nikon. Ranging from US$5,000 to US$10,000, grants will support either new or in-progress documentary projects. Photo stories and multimedia projects are welcome.

Visual journalism festival offering grants and awards

Deadlines: May 17-19, 2021

Photojournalists and documentarians can submit entries to the international photojournalism festival, Visa pour l’Image. Held in partnership with Canon from Sept. 3 to 8 in Perpignan, France, the festival recognizes the best visual journalism from around the world. Winners will receive EUR8,000 (US$9,483).

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Photo contest with theme of peaceful coexistence

Deadline: May 23, 2021

Professional and amateur photographers can submit work themed around peace, beauty and goodness to be recognized by the Global Peace Photo Award. Entries must include more than five photos. The Peace Image of the Year winner will receive EUR10,000 (US$11,905). The Alfred Fried Peace Medal will be awarded to the top five photographers.

Multimedia competition for young journalists

Deadline: May 31, 2021

Young journalists ages 10 to 24 can enter the UNESCO Clubs 2021 Worldwide Youth Multimedia Competition, which will focus on how COVID-19 has tested human solidarity. Finalists will receive a scholarship to attend UNESCO’s Builders of the Universe Camp at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.

Awards for freelance and local journalists

Deadline: May 31, 2021

Freelance journalists and local reporters can apply for the Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism. Entries should address conflict, human rights, cross-border issues or any controversial matter in a particular country or region.  Each winner will receive a US$5,000 prize.


Photo by Terje Sollie from Pexels.